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“You got that right. You know, she wanted me to make another statement? I asked what happened to the money she promised me, and she said she’d get me five thousand dollars if I made another statement. I told her I didn’t need it, that you’d given me that much for nothing, and she started yelling at me, told me I was in on it with you, that we’d both get what was coming to us sooner or later.”
“You want me to call the cops? That counts as threatening behavior, right?”
“Let it go. She won’t do anything.”
“You’re sure?”
“It’s all mouth with a person like that. But how come you’re here? Shouldn’t you be with your new husband?”
“You heard about the marriage?”
“Everyone knows. Hunter Lombardi was one of the most eligible bachelors in the city. How’d you reel him in, anyway?”
“My tits, mainly.”
She laughs, wiping her eyes a moment later. “I’d never sign anything against you, Bex, not after what you’ve done for us.”
“I haven’t done anything.”
“You gave us that money. Look what we got for it. I mean, we’ve got a bassinet, a pram, and a car seat ready for when we come out of the hospital. Got diapers too. Even got a bed, so we’re not on a mattress on the floor. Eddie got an advance on his pay.”
“Is he back at the office?”
“No, Hunter hired him personally for something else. I mean, it’s only cleaning work at a strip club, but it’s really well-paid. It’s a step down from accounts, but at least it’s work, and it pays better.” She reaches out and squeezes my hand. “Thank you, Bex.”
“Hey, don’t thank me. I barely did anything. Just left a note on his desk asking him to help you out, that’s all.”
“Well, it did help, big time. Is there anything I can do in return? I owe you.”
“There is, actually. I was going to ask you if you’d go on record.”
“About what?”
“Brody blackmailing you. I don’t like to think he will get away with it.”
“I don’t know. He acted like everyone at the precinct knew what he was doing, but they were all at it too.”
“So that’s a no?”
“He threatened us, Bex. I’m sorry, but I can’t take that chance. Anything else, and I’d do it, but I can’t risk it. I’m stressed enough about the birth as it is.”
“I understand. It’s all right. Forget I asked.”
“You want to stay for dinner? Eddie should be back any minute.”
As if on cue, there’s the rumbling sound of a car stopping outside. I glance out the window. It’s Hunter’s limo. The back door opens, and the two of them climb out. Eddie is wearing coveralls in navy blue.
I think about sneaking out the back, but Hunter’s seen my car. They come up to the door and walk in. “I was just leaving,” I say.
“Just so we’re clear,” Hunter calls after me as I reach the front door. “You leave when I give permission.”
“You’re the boss of the magazine,” I tell him. “Not me, not here.” With that, I walk out the door, shutting it behind me. I half expect him to come and grab me, but nothing happens. I glance back. The door’s firmly closed.
With a feeling that might be relief and might be disappointment, I climb into my car and head back to the house.
46
Bex
